Low print speed?
Hi!
So first of all, I'm not sure this is the correct forum to post this in. If it isn't, I apologise and would appreciate being pointed in the correct direction!
In essence, I'm not entirely satisfied with the print speed of my Mini. If I load the default Mini-profile (0.15mm), the general perimeter speed is 40 or 50 (depending on if I pick quality or speed), and the infill speed is 140 or 80. This, however, isn't a speed my Mini can handle. The extruder starts clicking and chews through the filament to the point where there just isn't any filament left to grab. I've tried adjusting the extruder pressure, but I couldn't find a setting where it worked.
So I started lowering the print speed. Right now I'm at 25 across the board, and now I'm getting reliable results. I've noticed it still clicking sometimes when starting a top layer over infill, but in general it's a safe print.
Is this normal? I really did expect it to go a fair bit quicker than this... If it's not normal, are there any suggested steps to start troubleshooting it?
RE: Low print speed?
Clicks usually indicate a feed issue. Typically, you're printing too fast, or the temp is too low to melt filament quick enough, slowing down the feed and leading to back pressure and the chewed filament. You can try bumping temperatures. Best temps will depend on each filament. Also make sure your cooling fan is not blowing on the heater block. Consider a silicone sock. You might try adjusting Max volumetric speed under either Print Settings or Filament Settings to avoid the need to twiddle a bunch of speeds. Back it off a bit and it will throttle speeds when and only if necessary to stay below the MVS rate you specify (volumetric rate through the hotend). If you're only getting problems in some areas -- infill typically -- this is often a good fix. I found Prusa's MVS settings a bit optimistic.
I'd try this before going down the road of doing any wholesale changes to settings that otherwise work, or (shudder) starting to replace parts on a new printer, especially if you haven't fully mastered it.